Water needs - Plants with low water needs can be used
in an area that natural y receives little water and is
naturally dry. With the same principle applying in
reverse, where an area is naturally moist, use plants that
are suited to a more water rich environment. Consider
investing in a water tank, there are many types suited
to different size spaces.
Soil type ­ which can be a varied element within an
area, there can be pockets of clay within a loamy
environment. Take time to analyse your soil properly to
be more informed about what species are more suited
to which existing soil type.
Groundcover ­ grass is our go to species for large
surface areas to cover, it also requires watering. We
should be more mindful of which grass to use where,
especial y if there is not a more appropriate
groundcover that can be used more water efficiently.
Methods to water the landscape efficiently in order to
reduce water loss must be considered. Drip irrigation
allows for delivery of water in a more exact location,
with minimal evaporation and waste. Watering plants
early in the morning is more advantageous than
watering later in the day, when water wil evaporate due
to higher temperatures. Slow release organic fertilisers
wil not create excessive growth spurts that require
more water. Install water retention methods around
trees when planting.
Mulching provides a water evaporation barrier. Apply a
mulch layer most suited to your landscape design, and
environment as a whole ­ and I mean as a whole, be
pet friendly, for example; mulch that wil escape as pets
romp delightfully in your garden, wil create
maintenance where it is not needed. Select something
easy to manage for you. Take into consideration your
garden maintenance, how easily are you able to move
around to replant, prune and make repairs etc, without
having to excavate a huge section of garden to do this.
Use organic mulch over inorganic types, as pebbles
retain heat and create a warmer microclimate.
Maintenance, seeing as low water needs plants are
installed, there should be little new growth to keep
under control. Monitor plants for pests and diseases, to
eliminate the need to replace them. Weeds should be
kept fairly under control with the effective use of mulch,
keeping an eye out for them is a good approach
general y.

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